by Sister Agnes Fischer
Jesus shows compassion for the sick. In today's Gospel he says to the suffering woman: "Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." And to the little girl's parents: "Don't be afraid, just believe."
Jesus, with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, does not come to frighten us or to announce our impending death. When I was young, the Sacrament was called "Extreme Unction" or "Last Rites." That was scary!
With the power of His Spirit, Jesus comes to:
And with all this going for us, we are in better condition to work at our rehabilitation, whether physical, mental or spiritual.
Note: we can receive this powerful Sacrament before surgery, before giving birth, when weakened by age, whenever we feel the need of its strength.
Thanks, Ag! Hope many read it.
Amen, Aggie-I have received this Sacrament several times and whenever it is offered at my parish I take advantage of it.
Too bad more people cannot read what you wrote. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick covers such a multitude of "sicknesses." So many people still think of it as a death sentence, but it is for healing--wherever we may need it.
Thanks for a simple, powerful reflection. Your look so much like Emily.
Simply put and right on the button. Jesus provides for our every need.